Home dry cleaning system and method

ABSTRACT

A home dry cleaning system comprising a washing machine, a dryer, a tank for holding cleaning solution, a pump coupled to the tank for pumping the cleaning solution out of the tank, and a control valve having a first input valve coupled to the home cold water line, a second input valve coupled to the line from the pump and an output valve coupled to the cold water input line on the washing machine. The control valve is structured to selectively control the flow of water and cleaning solution into the washing machine when use of the home dry cleaning system of the present invention is desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of dry cleaning and more, particularly, to a system and method for dry cleaning at home.

2. Description of the Related Art

The commercial dry cleaning of garments and other articles has increased greatly over the past several years. The increased need for dry cleaning is a result of the use of certain textile materials that are not suitable for laundering in traditional washing machines and dryers. Specifically, certain textile materials may become discolored or deformed if washed and dried using conventional washing machines and dryers. Accordingly, dry cleaning techniques are used to clean such materials, while maintaining their color and form.

The traditional dry cleaning process involves spot cleaning stains, soil or dirt with a liquid chemical and then placing the articles to be cleaned into a dry cleaning machine where the articles are immersed in a dry cleaning solvent. The solvent is drained, filtered and recirculated back into the dry cleaning machine several times during the dry cleaning cycle. After the solvent is drained for the final time during the dry cleaning cycle, the articles are then dried until most of the moisture is removed.

In recent years, the wetcleaning process has evolved to address certain deficiencies with the traditional dry cleaning process, such as environmental issues attendant to the use of certain dry cleaning chemicals. The wetcleaning process involves the use of water, special cleaning solutions and temperature and agitation control.

Although delicate materials may be adequately cleaned using commercial dry cleaning establishments, there are certain disadvantages inherent is using such commercial dry cleaning establishments. First, the need to transport the articles to the commercial dry cleaning establishment is not always convenient. Typically, the owner of the articles will transport them to the commercial dry cleaning establishment himself or herself. Alternatively, it is not uncommon today for the commercial dry cleaning establishment to come to the owner's home or place of business to pick up the articles. In either event, the transporting of the articles to the commercial dry cleaning establishment requires a certain amount of time and planning. The same problems arise from the need to retrieve the articles from the commercial dry cleaning establishment after the dry cleaning process is complete.

Another problem inherent in the use of commercial dry cleaning establishments is the time required for the dry cleaning of the articles to be completed, which may be as little as a few hours or as long as several days. Most dry cleaning establishments are closed on Sundays and have limited operating hours on other days. Therefore, there may be certain days or times where commercial dry cleaning establishments are not an option.

Additionally, many dry cleaning establishments today do not do the dry cleaning on site. That is, the articles dropped off are sent by the commercial dry cleaning establishment to another location where the actual dry cleaning process is performed. This may further lengthen the time before the articles are ready to be retrieved by the owner.

Also, the cost of dry cleaning articles by commercial dry cleaning establishments has increased over the years. Over time, the cost of dry cleaning the articles may exceed the cost of the articles themselves.

Another problem is the need to clean certain stains quickly, before they become permanent. The inconvenience of transporting the articles to the commercial dry cleaning establishment often results in the owner holding the stained articles for several days, until he or she has time to go to the commercial dry cleaning establishment, by which time the stain may be permanent.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for means for cleaning delicate articles at home in lieu of using commercial dry cleaning establishments. Several home dry cleaning processes have been devised to address this need.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,865,851, 5,746,776, 6,024,767, 5,951,716, 6,132,474 and 6,381,870 are exemplary of the home dry cleaning prior art. Each of these patents disclose home dry cleaning systems and/or methods that utilize containment bags for use in conventional home dryers. These prior art patents either disclose containment bags that include a cleaning composition releasably impregnated into the inner surface of the bag (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,746,776, 5,951,716 and 6,132,474) or require the insertion of cleaning composition, in various forms, into the containment bag. The articles to be cleaned are placed inside the containment bags and tumbled within the home dryer. The cleaning compositions of these containment bag systems are typically structured to be released from the inner surface of the bag or other retention means in a vapor form when the heat in the dryer reaches a certain temperature.

These prior art home drying systems have certain inherent disadvantages. Specifically, unlike the commercial dry cleaning process, which bathes the articles in a solvent, the vapors within the home dry cleaning containment bag systems basically deodorize the articles by simply infusing it with a fragrance. There is no immersion in solvent to remove dirt, stains, lint, pet hair or the like which can build up on the surface of the article or to address sweat or other body oils absorbed in the articles.

Accordingly, there is still a need in the art for a home dry cleaning system capable of properly cleaning delicate clothing and other articles. Any such system should be capable of removing dirt, stains, lint, pet hair, sweat and odors without damaging such articles. Any such system should be further capable of use with conventional home washing machines and dryers. The present invention is particularly suited to overcome those problems which remain in the art in a manner not previously known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a new and improved home dry cleaning system comprising a washing machine and a dryer. In a first preferred embodiment, the cleaning solution is added by the user manually at least once during the wash cycle. In this first preferred embodiment, the method for home dry cleaning using the home dry cleaning system of the present invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) placing the articles to be cleaned into the washing machine;     -   (b) setting the washing machine to the shortest cycle with the         least agitation;     -   (c) setting the washing machine water temperature to the desired         temperature(s);     -   (d) operating the washing machine;     -   (e) adding cleaning solution to the washing machine at least         once during the wash cycle;     -   (f) removing the articles from the washing machine upon         completion of the cycle:     -   (g) placing the articles in the dryer;     -   (h) setting the dryer to the delicate cycle;     -   (i) setting the dryer to a temperature not more than 120 degrees         Fahrenheit;     -   (j) operating the dryer;     -   (k) removing the articles from the dryer prior to the articles         being completely dry; and     -   (l) hanging the articles to dry.

In a second preferred embodiment, the home dry cleaning system also includes a tank for holding cleaning solution, a pump coupled to the tank for pumping the cleaning solution out of the tank, and a control valve having a first input valve coupled to the home cold water line, a second input valve coupled to the line from the pump and an output valve coupled to the cold water input line on the washing machine. The control valve is structured to selectively control the flow of water and cleaning solution into the washing machine when use of the home dry cleaning system of the present invention is desired.

In the second preferred embodiment, the method for home dry cleaning comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) opening the second input valve of the control valve so that         cleaning solution will be added to the washing machine during         the wash cycle;     -   (b) placing the articles to be cleaned into the washing machine;     -   (c) setting the washing machine to the shortest cycle with the         least agitation;     -   (d) setting the washing machine water temperature to the desired         temperature(s).     -   (e) operating the washing machine;     -   (f) removing the articles from the washing machine upon         completion of the cycle:     -   (g) placing the articles in the dryer;     -   (h) setting the dryer to the delicate cycle;     -   (i) setting the dryer to a temperature not more than 120 degrees         Fahrenheit;     -   (j) operating the dryer;     -   (k) removing the articles from the dryer prior to the articles         being completely dry; and     -   (l) hanging the articles to dry.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved home dry cleaning system and method which has all the advantages of the prior art devices and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a home dry cleaning system and method which may be used with conventional home washing machines and dryers.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a system and method which allows the home washing machine and dryer to be selectively used for both conventional washing and drying or dry cleaning.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system and method which may be may be used with existing home washing machines and dryers.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system and method which may be used in a combined washing machine and dryer unit.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent in the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the home dry cleaning system of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is directed towards a new and improved home dry cleaning system 10 comprising a washing machine 20 and a dryer 30

The washing machine 20 may be any conventional front or top loadable washing machine of the type that allows for agitation control and water temperature control. Most washing machines today allow the user to select between regular, permanent press or delicates. The delicate cycle results in less agitation. Some newer washing machines additionally include cycles for wool. The shortest cycle with the least agitation is the desired cycle for the home dry cleaning system 10 of the present invention.

Most washing machines today also allow the user to select either hot, warm or cold water temperature. Some washing machines 20 allow for the selection of different water temperatures for washing and rinsing. In using the home dry cleaning system 10 of the present invention, it is preferred that the wash water and rinse water not exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The precise washing machine 20 settings to use may be dependant upon the particular hot water heater setting.

The dryer 30 may be any conventional clothes dryer of the type that allows for temperature control. Dryers with no temperature control capability would not be desirable since the high temperatures at which they operate might damage certain delicate textile materials. A temperature setting below that at which fabrics start to break down is preferred for the home dry cleaning system 10 of the present invention. For more delicate materials, this temperature will be no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to temperature control, most dryers today allow the user to select between different cycles, i.e., regular, permanent press and delicate. A delicate cycle or a cool-down cycle (which tumbles clothes without heat) would be preferred for the home dry cleaning system 10 of the present invention.

Most newer dryers also include moisture sensors which sense the remaining moisture level in the articles being dried. In cleaning delicate articles in the home dry cleaning system 10 of the present invention, it is preferred not to completely dry the articles, but to only dry the articles until 85% to 95% of the moisture is removed to avoid damaging the articles. More delicate fibers should only be dried to about 85% and less delicate fibers may be dried up to about 95%.

The cleaning solution may be added to the washing machine 20 manually or by use of a closed loop system. The cleaning solution may be any known commercially available solution suitable for the wetcleaning process. The particular cleaning solution used may vary depending on the materials being washed.

In a first preferred embodiment, the cleaning solution is added by the user manually. In this first preferred embodiment, the method for home dry cleaning using the home dry cleaning system 10 of the present invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) placing the articles to be cleaned into the washing machine         20;     -   (b) setting the washing machine 20 to the shortest cycle with         the least agitation;     -   (c) setting the washing machine 20 water temperature to the         desired temperature(s);     -   (d) operating the washing machine 20;     -   (e) adding cleaning solution to the washing machine 20 at least         once during the wash cycle;     -   (f) removing the articles from the washing machine 20 upon         completion of the cycle:     -   (g) placing the articles in the dryer 30;     -   (h) setting the dryer 30 to the delicate cycle;     -   (i) setting the dryer 30 to a temperature not more than 120         degrees Fahrenheit;     -   (j) operating the dryer 30;     -   (k) removing the articles from the dryer 30 prior to the         articles being completely dry; and     -   (l) hanging the articles to dry.

When washing more delicate articles, the lowest water temperature should be used in step c above. For less delicate articles, a warmer water temperature may used, but it is preferred not to use water temperatures which exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid causing damage to the articles. In some instances, a combination of warm water and cold water may be used during the wash and/or rinse cycles. In such instances, the user may select such settings, if permitted by the particular washing machine 20, or the user may vary the water temperature manually throughout the cycle.

The articles should be removed from the dryer 30 in step k above when approximately 85% to 95% of the moisture has been removed from such articles. More delicate fibers should only be dried to about 85% and less delicate fibers may be dried up to about 95%.

An additional step in the process may include pre-treating or spot cleaning of stains, soil or dirt prior to placing the articles to be cleaned into the washing machine 20.

In a second preferred embodiment, the home dry cleaning system 10 of the present invention also includes a tank 40 for holding the cleaning solution, a pump 50 for pumping the cleaning solution out of the tank 40, and a control valve 60 for controlling the flow of water and cleaning solution to the washing machine 20.

The pump 50 is coupled to the tank 40 and is structured to pump the cleaning solution from the tank 40 to the control valve 60. The pump 50 may be any pump known in the art suitable for this application.

The control valve 60 includes a first input valve 62 coupled to the home cold water line 63, a second input valve 64 coupled to the line 66 from the pump 50 and an output valve 68 coupled to the cold water input line on the washing machine 20. The control valve 60 is a timing valve that selectively controls the flow of water and cleaning solution into the washing machine 20 when use of the home dry cleaning system of the present invention is desired. In this manner, the control valve 60 will allow for the time release of the cleaning solution at the desired times during the wash cycle. The timing should be set, based on the parameters of the particular washing machine 20 cycle used, so that the proper ratio of cleaning solution to water is added to the washing machine 20 cleaning vessel. When using the washing machine 20 for normal washing operation, the second input valve of the control valve 60 is shut so that only cold water entering the control valve 60 via the first input valve 62 will be added to the washing machine 20 cleaning vessel.

In this second preferred embodiment, the method for home dry cleaning using the home dry cleaning system 10 of the present invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) opening the second input valve 64 of the control valve 60 so         that cleaning solution will be added to the washing machine 20         during the wash cycle;     -   (b) placing the articles to be cleaned into the washing machine         20;     -   (c) setting the washing machine 20 to the shortest cycle with         the least agitation;     -   (d) setting the washing machine 20 water temperature to the         desired temperature(s).     -   (e) operating the washing machine 20;     -   (f) removing the articles from the washing machine 20 upon         completion of the cycle:     -   (g) placing the articles in the dryer 30;     -   (h) setting the dryer 30 to the delicate cycle;     -   (i) setting the dryer 30 to a temperature not more than 120         degrees Fahrenheit;     -   (j) operating the dryer 30;     -   (k) removing the articles from the dryer 30 prior to the         articles being completely dry; and     -   (l) hanging the articles to dry.

When washing more delicate articles, the lowest water temperature should be used in step d above. For less delicate articles, a warmer water temperature may used, but it is preferred not to use water temperatures which exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid causing damage to the articles. In some instances, a combination of warm water and cold water may be used during the wash and/or rinse cycles. In such instances, the user may select such settings, if permitted by the particular washing machine 20, or the user may vary the water temperature manually throughout the cycle.

The articles should be removed from the dryer 30 in step k above when approximately 85% to 95% of the moisture has been removed from such articles. More delicate fibers should only be dried to about 85% and less delicate fibers may be dried up to about 95%.

An additional step in the process may include pre-treating or spot cleaning of stains, soil or dirt prior to placing the articles to be cleaned into the washing machine 20.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications, which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved, especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended. 

1. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer comprising the steps of: (a) placing the articles to be cleaned into the washing machine; (b) setting the washing machine to the shortest cycle with the least agitation; (c) setting the washing machine water temperature to the desired temperature(s); (d) operating the washing machine; (e) adding cleaning solution to the washing machine at least once during the wash cycle; (f) removing the articles from the washing machine upon completion of the cycle: (g) placing the articles in the dryer; (h) setting the dryer to the delicate cycle; (i) setting the dryer to the desired temperature; (j) operating the dryer; (k) removing the articles from the dryer prior to the articles being completely dry; and (l) hanging the articles to dry.
 2. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 1 wherein the water temperature setting in step c does not exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
 3. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 1 wherein the water temperature setting in step c may be varied throughout the cycle.
 4. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 1 wherein the dryer temperature setting in step i does not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
 5. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 1 wherein the articles are removed from the dryer in step k when between 85% to 95% of the moisture has been removed from the articles.
 6. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of spot cleaning stains, soil or dirt prior to placing the articles into the washing machine.
 7. A home dry cleaning system comprising: a washing machine having a hot water input line and a cold water input line; a dryer; a control valve structured to selectively control the flow of water and cleaning solution to said washing machine; a tank for holding cleaning solution; and a pump structured to pump cleaning solution from said tank to said control valve, said
 8. A home dry cleaning system as recited in claim 7 wherein said control valve includes a first input valve coupled to a water line, a second input valve coupled to said pump and an output valve coupled to said washing machine.
 9. A home dry cleaning system as recited in claim 8 wherein said first input valve is coupled to a cold water line.
 10. A home dry cleaning system as recited in claim 9 wherein said output valve is coupled to said cold water input line of said washing machine.
 11. A home dry cleaning system as recited in claim 7 wherein said control valve is a timing valve.
 12. A method for home dry cleaning using a system having a washing machine, a dryer, a control valve for selectively controlling the flow of water and cleaning solution to the washing machine, a tank for holding cleaning solution, and a pump for pumping cleaning solution from the tank to the control valve, the method comprising the steps of: (a) setting the control valve so that cleaning solution will be added to the washing machine during the wash cycle; (b) placing the articles to be cleaned into the washing machine; (c) setting the washing machine to the shortest cycle with the least agitation; (d) setting the washing machine water temperature to the desired temperature(s); (e) operating the washing machine; (f) removing the articles from the washing machine upon completion of the cycle: (g) placing the articles in the dryer; (h) setting the dryer to the delicate cycle; (i) setting the dryer to the desired temperature; (j) operating the dryer; (k) removing the articles from the dryer prior to the articles being completely dry; and (l) hanging the articles to dry.
 13. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 12 wherein the water temperature setting in step d does not exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
 14. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 12 wherein the water temperature setting in step d may be varied throughout the cycle.
 15. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 12 wherein the dryer temperature setting in step i does not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
 16. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 12 wherein the articles are removed from the dryer in step k when between 85% to 95% of the moisture has been removed from the articles.
 17. A method for home dry cleaning using a washing machine and a dryer as recited in claim 12 further comprising the step of spot cleaning stains, soil or dirt prior to placing the articles into the washing machine. 